Genetic Profile Testing

Curated By Dr. Leila Turner

What is Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing can be used to determine susceptibility to, and aid in diagnosing, disease in patients of all ages.

A test for genes can identify changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Such information can help your healthcare provider confirm or eliminate a suspected genetic condition, or help them to determine your chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Currently, more than 1,000 genetic tests exist and the field continues to grow.

The information about your symptoms and background can help you and your doctor decide whether genetic testing is worth pursuing. If a genetic risk is identified, you might be able to change your lifestyle to prevent a disease from developing. The information can also help your doctor provide better treatment, as well as a follow-up plan tailored to your individual needs. Kashi has developed a series of genetic test panels that have significance to some of the most pressing health issues of our time including obesity and weight management, cardiac health, mental and behavioral health, nutritional status, and pain medication management. All genetic markers selected by the lab for inclusion in the DNA test panels meet strict acceptance criteria based on extensive literature searches and multiple peer-reviewed scientific studies. All reports are structured to be informative, practical, and patient-friendly.

Genetic Testing

Understand your genetics.

To better understand genetic testing, it is helpful to understand the basics of how human genetic material is organized.

What is DNA?

The foundation of genetic material in all living organisms is found within a molecule called deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. Often referred to as the genetic code, DNA is comprised of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). Collectively, the content of the genetic code within each organism is referred to as the genome. Within the human genome over 99% of this code is identical among individuals. It is the alterations in the remaining <1% that account for all of the diversity in characteristics like height, eye color, memory or intelligence to name a few.

What is a Gene?

The basic functional unit of inherited traits is the gene. Made up of DNA, genes vary in size from several hundred to millions of bases. The human genome contains roughly 20,000 genes, each containing the information required to produce a specific protein. Each individual inherits two copies of every gene, one from their mother and the other from their father. When there are alterations of the DNA sequence of a particular gene, the different versions of the gene are referred to as alleles. Personal characteristics, such as hair and eye color, are determined by which specific allele they inherit.

What is a Protein?

Proteins, of varying size, are coded by our genes and play many critical roles. Found all throughout the tissues and organ systems in the body, they are integral to maintaining physiological structure and function. Proteins differ dramatically in size and conformation, yet they are all made up of the same 20 amino acids. These amino acids are linked together in chains that are ultimately folded together to form the 3-D shape of the protein. Consequently, the order and number of amino acids in these chains determines the form and function of each protein.

What is an Enzyme?

Enzymes are a very specialized type of protein. They facilitate almost all of the thousands of chemical reactions that take place in cells. Often if there is a problem with the structure of an enzyme, the result is some form of disease.

What can genetic testing provide?

• Information to support a diagnosis if someone has symptoms of a disease.
• Evidence a person is a carrier for a marker associated with a genetic disease. 
• Guidelines on lifestyle choices in the short and long term.
• Indications as to whether a person may have an increased risk of developing disease before symptoms start.
• Support for the type of medication that is most likely to be effective for each individual – known as pharmacogenetics.

Sample Report: 

Interested in testing your genes? 
Schedule with a Living Wellness Physician